This week in Redlands news: Our in-depth report examines why the city Planning Commission approved a revised warehouse project at the former La-Z-Boy site on June 24, one year after rejecting a similar proposal amid public opposition. Plus: RUSD approves funding for after-school programs, a downtown landmark marks 138 years in business, and Redlands' summer musical returns to the stage next week.
CITY HALL
Redlands Planning Commission OKs new distribution warehouse after prior rejection
A revised plan for a 193,469-square-foot distribution warehouse on Tennessee Street was approved by the Redlands Planning Commission on June 24, reversing a decision made last year to reject a similar proposal amid widespread public opposition.
The commission voted 4-1 to approve the project. Vice Chair Matthew Endsley was the sole dissenting vote. Commissioners Rosemarie Gonzales and Rich Smith were absent from the meeting.
Why it matters: The approval comes just over a year after the commission denied a similar warehouse plan following intense public backlash over traffic, air quality and proximity to nearby schools. This time, commissioners said the updated proposal met all current zoning and design standards and emphasized that broader concerns fell outside their decision-making authority.
Continue reading here:
Kathryne Mccann
🏗️ Development watch: A new hotel, car wash and drive-through coffee shop may soon take shape at 913 California St. as part of a project known as The Commons at California. The 5.1-acre project is under environmental review, with public comments accepted through July 28. Read more here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
PUBLIC SAFETY
🚨 Weekly Crime Report: Woman Assaulted Behind Dealership, DUI Crash on Elizabeth Street
Redlands police are investigating a violent assault reported behind Toyota of Redlands after a delivery driver heard a woman screaming and witnessed a man attacking her. In a separate incident, a DUI driver crashed head-on into a parked car on Elizabeth Street. Read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
EDUCATION
📚 RUSD tackles hot-button issues in marathon meeting: After hours of heated public comments and debate from students, parents and educators, Redlands Unified trustees delayed action on a proposed parent notification rule, postponed a final vote on how to handle challenged library books and approved a new policy restricting flags on school property. Read our full coverage here.
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🎒 RUSD Board of Education approves multi-year Expanded Learning Opportunities Program plan to enhance after-school and summer enrichment. The board also authorized nearly $2 million in grant funding to be used for staffing through a partnership with the YMCA and approved a partnership with Active Education for a structured activities program. Read more here.
Kathryne Mccann
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Citrograph turns 138: A look inside Redlands’ oldest business
Citrograph Printing Co., which started as a newspaper in 1887, remains a fully operating print shop and a piece of Redlands history.
Before the Redlands Bowl filled the night sky with music, before the Kingsbury kids made the Pledge of Allegiance a morning ritual, before the train first rumbled into town or the city was officially incorporated — Citrograph Printing was already inking its presses.
On July 16, 2025, Citrograph Printing Co. marked 138 years in business, a milestone that cements its status not only as Redlands’ oldest business, but as a living thread in the city’s history.
Owners Al Hernandez and Ryan Bailey, the sixth to run the shop, take that legacy seriously. They’ve found a rhythm that blends modern design and promotional services with old-school craftsmanship to remain the longest continuously operating print shop in California.
Continue reading here:
Stephanie Hastings Miranda
🍊 Become part of the Kimberly Crest House legacy: The historic Redlands Kimberly Crest House & Gardens is now accepting applications for its Summer 2025 Docent Training Class. Docents will learn how to guide guests through the iconic 128-year-old mansion all while sharing its rich history. For information about the training sessions, read more here.
Community Forward Redlands
🎭 Magic Shadows show captivates Redlands Bowl audience: Catapult mesmerized a packed crowd on July 11 with a stunning shadow-dance performance full of imagination, movement and story. Best known from America's Got Talent, the company transformed dancers into dragons, cities and more–delighting audiences of all ages. Read more here.
Dave Card
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HEALTH
☀️ Stay safe this summer: First 5 San Bernardino and Loma Linda University Children's Hospital are teaming up to protect young kids from seasonal dangers like drowning, heatstroke and car seat mishaps. For more tips on how to keep your little ones safe, click here.
Community Forward Redlands
SPORTS
⚾ The Redlands 909ers win Aussie Ball series: The international showdown came to a close with a tightly contested success, with the 909ers taking the series 3-2. Highlights include stellar pitching from Brayden Bennet and hits from Eyam Eldivik and Connor Flanigan. Read more here.
John Murphy
⚾ Big league dreams are coming true for former Arrowhead Christian star Ethin Bingaman: Bingaman, who helped lead Corona High to a top national ranking, was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 20th round of the MLB Draft. He now faces a big decision: go pro or play at Auburn. Read more here.
John Murphy
🏀 Inland Empire United brings home the championship: The 13-year-old basketball team excelled in the Breakthrough Nationals in Las Vegas, taking on teams from Los Angeles, Texas, Vegas and Seattle. Read more here.
John Murphy
⚽ Redlands FC wraps season with 3-0 loss, falls short of playoff spot: Redlands FC’s playoff hopes came to an end Saturday with a tough 3-0 loss to City SC in their final match of the season. Despite entering the night with a chance to sneak into the postseason, RFC couldn’t find their rhythm, suffering their first shutout and largest margin of defeat all year. The team finishes its third season 6-2-4, placing fifth in the nine-team Southwest Division.
Thank you to the fans who packed the stands, cheered from home, and supported the squad all summer. Redlands FC will return for Season 4 in 2026. Read full game recap here:
Caden Henderson
EVENTS
Redlands Bowl’s ‘Joseph’ shines with talent, tech and heart
Legendary Productions returns to the Bowl with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, a joyful summer musical packed with colorful costumes, high-energy choreography, and strong community ties.
Catch it July 24–27 at 8 p.m., with a free public dress rehearsal on Tuesday, July 22. Admission is free and open to all.
Read more from community journalist Shantell Sunderman, who caught up with the cast and crew during a recent rehearsal:
Shantell Sunderman
📌 Sat. July 26, ANCA Repair Cafe comes to A.K. Smiley Library: Have any broken items that can be repaired or reused? Bring them to the Assembly Room at A.K. Smiley Library between 9 and 12 p.m. where skilled volunteers are available to fix them for free. To pre-register for the event, sign up online here.
Contributor
📌 Sat. July 26, Foamy fun comes to Martinez Park: Get ready for bubbles, foam zones, lawn games and music at this free family event hosted by Redlands Recreation. The celebration runs from 4–6 p.m. and towels and play clothes are recommended! Register here.
Community Forward Redlands
📌 Aug. 8, Footlighters Theatre kicks off its 2025-26 season with The Curious Savage, a whimsical and heartfelt comedy. Ticket information here.
ICYMI
In case you missed it... Community Forward took a look behind the curtain at Redlands Theatre Festival. At RTF, volunteers do more than just take the stage — they build it, too. From actors learning backstage roles to pros like set designer Alex White donating his skills, it’s a full community effort. See how this summer’s five rotating productions come together, one set piece at a time. Read more from community journalist Siw Heede:
Siw Heede
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